VERMONT Strategic Highway Safety Plan 2017-2021 - A Comprehensive Plan to Reduce the Number of Crashes on Vermont's Highways - The Vermont ...
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VERMONT
Strategic Highway Safety Plan 2017-2021
A Comprehensive Plan to Reduce the
Number of Crashes on Vermont’s Highways
Thank You to All Highway Safety Partners
The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance (VHSA) would like to thank its public and private
sector partners for their contributions and dedication to the development and
implementation of the State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP). Since its foundation in
2012, VHSA members have worked collaboratively for the good of public safety, focusing
on the ultimate goal of Zero Deaths on Vermont highways. By targeting Vermont’s most
critical emphasis areas for improving highway safety and implementing effective strategies
and action plans, the VHSA and its partners have made great strides in improving the
safety of Vermont’s highways. The 2012-2016 SHSP has been immensely successful,
resulting in a 15% reduction in major crashes on the State’s highways in the last five years.
The efforts of these organizations and their members, listed below, toward achieving this
success is greatly appreciated.
½½ 3M ½½ JoyRyde
½½ AAA of Northern New England ½½ Lamoille County Planning Commission
½½ AARP Driver Safety ½½ Local Motion
½½ Addison County Regional Planning ½½ National Highway Traffic Safety
Commission Administration (NHTSA)
½½ Associated General Contractors of ½½ Northeastern Vermont Development
Vermont and Project Road Safe Association
½½ AT&T ½½ Northwest Regional Planning
Commission
½½ Bennington County Regional
Commission ½½ Private Driver Education Schools
½½ Central Vermont Regional Planning ½½ Ride Safe Vermont: Motorcycle Training
Commission
½½ Rutland Regional Planning Commission
½½ Chittenden County Regional Planning
½½ Southern Windsor County Regional
Commission (CCRPC)
Planning Commission
½½ Co-Operative Insurance Companies
½½ Sp!ke Advertising
½½ Education and Safety Unit at the
½½ TextLess Live More
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
½½ Town of Barre
½½ F.R. Lafayette
½½ Two Rivers-Ottauquechee Regional
½½ Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Commission
½½ Federal Motor Carrier Safety
½½ TXT U L8R (UVM Medical Center and
Administration (FMCSA)
the Clinical Simulation Laboratory at the
½½ Governor’s Highway Safety Program UVM College of Medicine)
½½ Impaired Driving Rehabilitation Program ½½ University of Vermont Medical Center
(Formerly known as CRASH)
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan i
½½ University of Vermont, Transportation ½½ Vermont Judicial System
Research Center
½½ Vermont League of Cities and Towns
½½ Vermont Agency of Transportation
½½ Vermont Local Roads
(VTrans)
½½ Vermont Sheriffs Association (and
½½ Vermont Association of Chiefs of Police
member departments)
(and member departments)
½½ Vermont State Police (VSP)
½½ Vermont Automotive Distributors
Association ½½ Vermont Truck and Bus Association (and
member companies)
½½ Vermont Department of Health
½½ Volunteer Citizens
½½ Vermont Department of Liquor Control
½½ VTrans Highway Safety Data Unit
½½ Vermont Department of Tourism and
Marketing ½½ VTrans Highway Safety Infrastructure
Unit
½½ Vermont Driver and Traffic Safety
Association ½½ Windham Regional Commission
½½ Vermont Forensic Laboratory ½½ Work Safe TCI
½½ Vermont Insurance Agents Association ½½ Youth Safety Council of Vermont
Improving safety in our local communities is a shared goal, and everyone—municipalities,
local organizations, private companies, and individual residents—can help the Alliance
build on the remarkable progress made to date. Since 2012, the VHSA has increased its
membership by 25%, rising from 43 to 54 members, and the Alliance invites everyone
interested in the safety initiative to get involved. Please visit the website
http://vermonthighwaysafety.org/ to join the VHSA and take the Vermont Road User Pledge:
I promise to follow the rules of the road, respect the rights
of all road users, and share what I know about road safety
with others.”
ii 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan Table of Contents Introduction........................................................................................................................................................ 1 Critical Emphasis Areas............................................................................................................... 9 Significant Emphasis Areas................................................................................................... 21 Special Emphasis Areas............................................................................................................... 25 Attachment A.................................................................................................................................................. 29 Attachment B.................................................................................................................................................. 33
iv 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
INTRODUCTION
The VHSA
Introduction
Progress on the 2012-2016 Plan
Goals and Objectives for the 2017-2021 Plan
Critical Emphasis Areas
1
Introduction
The VHSA
Our Vision To minimize the occurrence and severity of highway crashes,
and related injuries and fatalities.
Our Mission Working together, we use data to improve highway safety
by integrating engineering; enforcement; education,
marketing and outreach; and emergency medical services
initiatives.
Our Promise To make and keep our highways safe.
2 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Introduction Introduction The Vermont Highway Safety Alliance (VHSA) was formed in 2012 in an effort to formalize an integrated statewide highway safety program focused on the best utilization and sharing of resources to accelerate the advancement of highway safety in the State. The VHSA is an independent nonprofit alliance comprised of a diverse group of public and private organizations, as well as volunteer citizens who represent all users of Vermont’s highway system. The mission is to work together to collect, share, and use data in a unified effort to develop and implement strategies that improve highway safety. Amongst its duties, the VHSA oversees the preparation of the State’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), which is a major component and requirement of the Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP). The SHSP serves as the framework for reducing fatalities and major* crashes on the State’s public highways. Through a data-driven process, the SHSP identifies the most Critical Emphasis Areas (CEAs) and safety needs for the State, and selects for implementation the strategies and countermeasures with the most potential to save lives and prevent injuries. This multi-year comprehensive plan takes a holistic and integrated approach in establishing statewide goals by embracing the use of the four E’s of highway safety: Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Services. The SHSP incorporates elements from the other individual safety plans prepared for the State of Vermont, including: ½½ Highway Safety Program (HSP) ½½ Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) ½½ Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan ½½ Vermont State Police Strategic Plan ½½ Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Strategic Plan ½½ Traffic Records Strategic Plan The following report documents the progress made to date since the adoption of the 2012-2016 SHSP, evaluates the needs moving forward with the updated plan, and sets new (aggressive, yet attainable) goals for the next five years. The VHSA is proud to present this updated 2017-2021 SHSP and reaffirms its endless commitment to working Toward Zero Deaths on Vermont highways. *Major crashes are defined by the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) as fatal or incapacitating injury crashes. 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 3
Introduction
Progress on the 2012-2016 Plan
Developing an effective course of action for the 2017-2021 SHSP relies first on
understanding what progress has been made in achieving the goals established in the
2012-2016 plan. Fortunately, when it comes to evaluating the success of the 2012-2016
plan, there is much improvement to report.
The recent five years of data shows that Vermont continues to make great headway in
reducing major crashes on the State’s highways. While the 2011 through 2015 major crash
data shows steady progress, it is the longer-term historical trends that tell the true story. At
the time the 2012-2016 SHSP was developed, data from 2004 through 2011 indicated that
major crashes statewide were trending downward at a rate of 10.9%. With this in mind,
the VHSA set an aggressive goal of reducing major crashes an additional 10% by 2016.
Ultimately, this objective was exceeded, with an overall major crash reduction of 15% over
the last five years—a total decrease of 25.7% since 2004.
Overall Major Crashes Trend
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
2004-2008
100
2005-2009
2006-2010
2008-2012
2009-2013
2007-2011
2010-2014
2011-2015
50
0
10.9% Reduction 14.8% Reduction
5-Year Rolling Average 2012-2016 SHSP Goal
2004-2011 2008-2015 2004-2015
10.9 + 14.8 = 25.7
Reduction
%
Reduction
%
Reduction
%
10
Goal Met
%
4 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanIntroduction
This success can be attributed to the selection and implementation of strategies and
countermeasures specifically targeted for each of the six CEAs identified in the 2012-2016
SHSP, as well as integrated use of the four E’s. The SHSP intentionally set aggressive goals
for each CEA. Of the six CEA goals, five of them were met. The table below shows a
breakdown of each CEA and their associated goals and results.
Major Crash Reduction Goals and Results
Crtical Emphasis Area SHS Goal Results Goal Met?
CEA 1 1A-Minimize Lane Departure 10% 8%
No
1B-Design and Operation of Intersection Safety 10% 11%
CEA 2 2A-Younger Driver Safety (21 and Under) 20% 29%
Yes
2B-Older Driver Safety (65 and Over) 5% 7%
CEA 3 Curb Speeding and Aggressive Driving 20% 21% Yes
CEA 4 Use of Occupant Protection 10% 10% Yes
CEA 5 Impaired Driving 10% 23% Yes
CEA 6 Distracted and Inattentive Driving 10% 35% Yes
As seen in the table, great strides were made in reducing major crashes in some of the CEAs.
For example, while impaired driving may not account for a significant portion of the total
crashes in Vermont (only 3%), these crashes make up 18% of fatal crashes and 13% of
crashes resulting in incapacitating injuries. As a result of the 2012-2016 SHSP, the major
crashes attributable to impaired driving has been reduced by 23% since 2011. In addition,
younger drivers under the age of 21 account for almost 1 in 7 of all fatal and incapacitating
injury crashes statewide. Major crashes associated with younger drivers have decreased
29%, exceeding the 20% aggressive goal previously set for this CEA.
Also, major crashes associated with distracted and inattentive driving have decreased by
35%. This can be attributed in part to the statewide ban on texting while driving that
went into effect during this time period. However, it is important to note that these
crashes are likely underreported, as they heavily rely upon self-reporting from the driver.
Results like these illustrate that the actions taken by the VHSA to make and keep Vermont’s
highways safe are working. While the successes to date should be celebrated, it is important
for the 2017-2021 SHSP to bring us even closer to achieving the goal of Zero Deaths.
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 5Introduction
Goals and Objectives for the 2017-2021 Plan
Major crashes have the most severe impact on those involved. Their effects are far-reaching
and include the loss of human life. Despite the great progress made in reducing major
crashes during the 2012-2016 SHSP, approximately 325 major crashes—with an average
fatality rate of 60 deaths per year—still occurred annually in Vermont from 2011 through
2015. For this reason, targeting the reduction of major crashes will continue to be the
primary goal of the VHSA for the 2017-2021 SHSP. During this timeframe, the
Alliance will seek to reduce major crashes in Vermont another 10%. This goal has been
carefully considered and takes into account the likelihood that the effectiveness of some of
the successful crash-reduction strategies currently in use may lose their impact over time,
particularly as Vermont’s culture on highway safety changes.
Cascading down from this primary goal are a series of Critical Emphasis Areas (CEAs),
Significant Emphasis Areas (SEAs), and Special Emphasis Areas, discussed in the following
pages. Critical and significant emphasis areas differ in that SEAs account for a smaller
percentage of major crashes statewide. Meanwhile, Special Emphasis Areas are those that
are difficult to determine through analysis of existing data trends. Each plays an integral
role in the SHSP.
Achieving the objectives for the 2017-2021 SHSP will require collecting, using, and sharing
data to inform strategies, prioritize efforts, and measure performance. The plan is intended
to follow the objectives of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) national effort to
improve highway safety, known as Toward Zero Deaths (TZD). Like TZD, the SHSP is a
data-driven effort focusing on identifying and creating opportunities for changing
Vermont’s culture as it relates to highway safety.
Perhaps most importantly, a successful 2017-2021 SHSP depends on continued dedication
and hard work from the Alliance and its partners. The continued success of the SHSP will
rely upon a team of champions working together to address the myriad of factors
surrounding highway safety. The VHSA’s goal of reducing crashes will be achieved through
the continued unified collaboration of all the partners involved; private, local, state, and
federal. The strategies and associated action plans selected for the SHSP will directly
impact highway safety through the four E’s of highway safety, as well as policy, public
health, communications, and other efforts. The VHSA Board of Directors and the Focus
Groups have worked diligently to develop an integrated approach to the SHSP that gathers
and utilizes the experts needed to meet the goals of each emphasis area. Using the SHSP as
the guiding document, the VHSA will continue to reach out and expand, engaging safety
partners in all communities throughout Vermont.
6 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanIntroduction
Critical Emphasis Areas
Seven CEAs have been identified for the 2017-2021 Vermont SHSP. These CEAs have been
identified and prioritized through a data-driven approach using crash data analysis. The
chart below summarizes the output of analysis based on data from 2011 through 2015. The
chart provides a graphical comparison of the 5-year major crash trends for each emphasis
area reviewed in preparing this plan. The chart in itself ranks the emphasis areas based on
the number of major crashes associated with each, facilitating the prioritization and
selection of emphasis areas for the 2017-2021 SHSP.
5 Year Trend for Major Crashes (2011-2015)
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Lane Departure Highway Intersection Young DriverIntroduction
As seen in the chart, the analysis expands upon the emphasis areas presented in the
2012-2016 SHSP. The first new emphasis area is younger drivers under the age of 25. The
most current evaluation of data shows a doubling of major crashes for drivers under 25
when compared to drivers under 21. This increase indicates the potential need to expand
the younger driver age group and consider specific strategies to target drivers between the
ages of 21 and 25. The second new emphasis area combines vulnerable users and
motorcycles. Motorcycles were not included in the definition of vulnerable users in the
2012-2016 SHSP; however, they also experience a heightened level of exposure with regard
to highway safety when compared to automobiles and trucks. The individual and
combined crash trends of these two emphasis areas have been graphed to show how they
influence the priority ranking in comparison to other emphasis areas.
Based on the data, the following changes were made for the 2017-2021 SHSP emphasis
areas when compared to the 2012-2016 SHSP:
½½ Combine Vulnerable Users and Motorcycles into one emphasis area and elevate them
from the Significant Emphasis Area (SEA) to the CEA classification
½½ Increase the age of the younger drivers from under 21 to under 25
The CEAs selected for the 2017-2021 SHSP are:
1. Improve Infrastructure
a. Minimize Lane Departure
b. Improve the Design and Operation of Highway Intersection
2. Reduce Speeding and Aggressive Driving
3. Increase Use of Occupant Protection
4. Vulnerable Users and Motorcyclists Safety
a. Increase Pedestrian Safety
b. Increase Bicyclist Safety
c. Increase Motorcyclist Safety
5. Age Appropriate Solutions
a. Improve Younger Driver Safety (Under 25)
b. Improver Older Driver Safety (65 and Over)
6. Reduce Impaired Driving
7. Curb Distracted and Inattentive Driving
The following section provides an overview of each emphasis area, along with its specific
goal and strategies for accomplishing the goal.
8 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanBristol, Vermont, HSIP Intersection
Project at VT Route 116 & North Street.
Photography by: J Michael Worthington, Jr.
www.worthingtonimages.com
Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
CRITICAL EMPHASIS AREAS
CEA 1 Improve Infrastructure
1A – Minimize Lane Departure
1B – Improve the Design and Operation
of Highway Intersections
CEA 2 Curb Speeding And Aggressive Driving
CEA 3 Increase Use Of Occupant Protection
CEA 4 Vulnerable Users & Motorcyclists Safety
4A – Increase Pedestrian Safety
4B – Increase Bicyclist Safety
4C – Increase Motorcyclist Safety
CEA 5 Age Appropriate Solutions
5A – Improve Younger Driver Safety (Under 25)
5B – Improve Older Driver Safety (65 and Over)
CEA 6 Reduce Impaired Driving
CEA 7 Curb Distracted Driving and Keep Drivers Alert
9CRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
IMPROVE
INFRASTRUCTURE
1
CEA 1A – Minimize Lane
Departure
Lane departure crashes are defined as
crashes in which a vehicle ran off the
road and/or overturned and/or collided
with a tree, a pole or sign, a guardrail,
ledge or boulder, or any other fixed object
including another vehicle. Over the past
five years, lane departure crashes
accounted for 54% of fatal crashes and
43% of incapacitation injury crashes. It is Goal
important to note that speeding was
reported as a contributing factor in 24% Reduce major crashes by 10 % between 2017-2021
of the lane departure crashes. The 5-year
Strategies
rolling average from 2004 through 2015
shows a 15% reduction in lane departure 1. Continue programs to implement low-cost safety improvements
major crashes. However, this is the one on all public highways
emphasis area that fell short of the 10%
2. Improve highway delineation and roadway characteristics
reduction goal set in the 2012-2016 SHSP,
where only an 8% reduction was 3. Improve highway characteristics to facilitate enforcement
recognized. activities (such as speed enforcement)
4. Support municipalities in mitigating high crash locations by
providing data, countermeasure alternatives, and other
resources to implement improvements
5. Conduct and/or support research in the areas of engineering,
enforcement, and education that seeks to reduce run-off-the-
road crashes
Lane Departure Major Crashes Trend
5 Year 175
Rolling Average 170
2004-2015 165
15 %
160
155
150
145
Reduction
2004-2008
2005-2009
2006-2010
2009-2013
2008-2012
2007-2011
2010-2014
2011-2015
140
135
130
7% Reduction 8% Reduction
10 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanCRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
IMPROVE 1
Critical Emphasis Areas
1
INFRASTRUCTURE
CEA 1B – Improve the Design
and Operation of Highway
Intersections
A highway intersection is defined as a
roadway characteristic of a four-way
intersection, T-intersection,
Y-intersection, traffic circle, roundabout,
or any intersection of three or more
approaches. Since 2004 there has been a
19% reduction in major crashes at
Goal
10 %
highway intersections, with 11% of that
reduction occurring in the most recent
5-year study period. From 2011 through
Reduce major crashes by between 2017-2021
2015, 46% of intersection fatalities
Strategies
occurred at locations with no traffic
control, 38% at locations with stop-signs, 1. Improve traffic signal operation
and 11% at locations with traffic signals.
2. Improve driver understanding and compliance at intersections
Through infrastructure improvements,
through the use of engineering, education, and enforcement
increased public awareness and traffic
programs and efforts
control compliance, major intersection
crashes can be reduced further. 3. Implement physical changes on the approaches to and at
intersections
4. Support municipalities in mitigating high-crash locations by
providing data, countermeasure alternatives, and other
resources to implement improvements
5. Increase awareness and safety of bicyclists and pedestrians at
intersections through engineering, education, and enforcement
programs and efforts
6. Conduct and/or support research efforts in the area of
intersection safety for all roadway users
Highway Intersection Major Crashes Trend
5 Year 100
Rolling Average 90
2004-2015 80
19
70
% 60
50
40
30
Reduction
2004-2008
2005-2009
2006-2010
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
2010-2014
20
10
0
8% Reduction 11% Reduction
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 11CRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
CURB SPEEDING
AND AGGRESSIVE
DRIVING
2
Speeding is defined as operating a
vehicle at a speed that has exceeded the
authorized speed limit or too fast for
conditions. Aggressive driving is defined
as operating a vehicle in an erratic,
reckless, careless, negligent, or
aggressive manner. Historical trends
show a 39% reduction in major crashes
related to speeding and aggressive
Goal
20 %
driving between 2004 and 2015, with 21%
of that reduction occurring in the last five
years. Crashes attributable to speeding
Reduce major crashes by between 2017-2021
and aggressive driving make up 30% of
Strategies
all major crashes in Vermont and 37% of
the fatal crashes. Crashes due to 1. Improve the education of drivers as it relates to the impacts and
speeding and aggressive driving result in consequences of speeding and aggressive driving
a higher percentage of more severe
2. Improve public understanding of what aggressive driving is and
injury crashes. Collaborative
how it relates to public safety
opportunities exist across engineering,
education, and enforcement to continue 3. Increase public awareness of and adherence to speed limits and
to reduce crashes resulting from other roadway regulations regarding aggressive driving
speeding and aggressive driving.
4. Advance the use of infrastructure techniques and technology to
manage and enforce speeds
5. Enhance existing high-visibility enforcement programs and
techniques that relate to speeding and aggressive driving
5 Year
Rolling Average
2004-2015
39 %
Reduction
12 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanCRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
INCREASE USE 3
Critical Emphasis Areas
1
OF OCCUPANT
PROTECTION
Approximately 12% of the major crashes
from 2011 through 2015 reported no
restraint use. This may include seatbelt
use, child safety restraint use, or helmet
use. This percentage is down
significantly from the 24% previously
reported in the 2012-2016 SHSP for the
period from 2004 through 2011. Despite
this progress, this CEA remains a high
Goal
20 %
priority as crashes are more likely to
result in serious injury when improper or
no occupant protection is used. Over the
Reduce major crashes by between 2017-2021
last five years nearly 100 major crashes
Strategies
involving the lack or improper use of
safety restraints occurred annually. 1. Raise awareness of the importance of using seat belts and
occupant protection for all users
2. Increase enforcement and strengthen safety belt laws in
Vermont
3. Increase proper use and installation of child safety restraints
4. Strengthen child safety restraint use laws
5. Implement programs for consistent education for a wide range
of stakeholders including motorists, parents, and schools
6. Implement programs that target at-risk demographics (such as
21-35 year-old males)
7. Continue education and outreach for vulnerable users
(pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists)
8. Implement programs for occupant protection use on busses
Occupant Protection Major Crashes Trend
5 Year 140
Rolling Average 120
2004-2015
25
100
% 80
60
2004-2008
2005-2009
2006-2010
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
40
2010-2014
Reduction
20
0
15% Reduction 10% Reduction
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 13CRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
VULNERABLE
USERS &
MOTORCYCLISTS
4
SAFETY
CEA 4A – Increase Pedestrian
Safety
On average, approximately 31 of the
major crashes that occur each year
involve pedestrians. This equates to
approximately 10% of the total major
crashes. However, even more notable is
Goal
the statistic that nearly 20% of these
pedestrian crashes result in a fatality.
From 2011 through 2015, the average
Reduce major crashes by 10 % between 2017-2021
annual crash rate for pedestrian fatalities
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
was reported to be six crashes per year.
With strong public support for the Fatalities –
Pedestrians
4 10 6 4 5 29
implementation of ‘Complete Streets’
concepts and the associated increase in Major Crashes (Fatal
pedestrian volume that will result on + Incapacitating 34 35 34 25 26 154
Injury) – Pedestrians
Vermont’s highways, the VHSA is
committed to developing strategies
specifically targeted at protecting Strategies
pedestrians and promoting a multi-modal 1. Improve pedestrian and driver understanding of the rules of the
system for all users. road regarding pedestrians
2. Implement new pedestrian advocacy programs and improve
awareness of existing programs
3. Continue to implement and promote ‘Complete Streets’ policies
and traffic calming measures that consider pedestrians early in
the design phase of changes to the built environment
4. Enhance collaboration efforts and partnerships between federal,
state, local, and private agencies to promote inclusive
communities with walkable infrastructure
14 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanCRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
VULNERABLE 4
Critical Emphasis Areas
1
USERS &
MOTORCYCLISTS
SAFETY
CEA 4B – Increase Bicyclist
Safety
Over the past 10 years, the number of
bicyclists on the road has been steadily
increasing. As with pedestrians and
motorcyclists, these road users are
especially vulnerable to major crashes.
Goal
Crashes involving bicyclists currently
account for approximately 3.5% of all
major crashes and this number is likely to
Reduce major crashes by 10 % between 2017-2021
increase as the bicyclist population
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
increases. Between 2011 and 2015, there
were 497 total crashes involving a Fatalities –
Bicyclists
0 0 0 0 5 5
bicycle user and 56 of these crashes
were major crashes. As discussed under Major Crashes (Fatal
CEA 4A, the trend to incorporate + Incapacitating 6 16 10 5 19 56
Injury) - Bicyclists
Complete Street concepts into highway
projects around the State, heightens the
need to identify strategies directed at Strategies
keeping all vulnerable users safe.
1. Improve bicyclists and driver understanding and education of
how to properly share the road
2. Continue to implement and promote ‘Complete Streets’ policies
and traffic calming measures that consider bicyclists early in the
design phase of changes to the built environment.
3. Educate municipalities about the guidelines and opportunities
that exist to create safer communities for bicyclists
4. Implement and promote educational programs for bicyclists
regarding proper equipment and safe riding in traffic including
commuter programs and Safe Routes to School
5. Enhance education and increase enforcement of improper
bicycling and aggressive or harassing behavior on the part of
motorists
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 15CRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
VULNERABLE
USERS &
MOTORCYCLISTS
4
SAFETY
CEA 4C – Increase
Motorcyclist Safety
A motorcyclist is defined as a person
who is operating a motorized scooter,
motor driven cycles, or motorcycle.
Between 2011 and 2015, there were 980
total crashes involving a motorcycle, of
Goal
which 234 crashes (24%, or nearly 1 in 4)
were classified as major crashes, with 41
crashes resulting in a fatality. Major
Reduce major crashes by 10 % between 2017-2021
crashes involving motorcycles account
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
for nearly 15% of all major crashes in
Vermont. This update of the SHSP Fatalities –
8 11 6 7 9 41
includes motorcycle safety under the Motorcyclists
Vulnerable Users CEA as a means to
Major Crashes (Fatal
heighten and promote the awareness of
+ Incapacitating 53 49 37 47 48 234
developing strategies specifically
Injury)-Motorcyclists
targeted for these users.
Strategies
1. Improve public understanding of motorcyclist rights and
responsibilities on the road
2. Improve training programs for both novice and experienced
motorcyclists and continue to encourage use of the Vermont
Rider Education Program
3. Enhance enforcement relating to occupant protection, DUIs,
and aggressive operation of a motorcycle
4. Improve public understanding of what constitutes an approved
motorcycle helmet and provide additional training to law
5 Year enforcement on this topic
Rolling Average
2007-2015 Motorcycle Major Crashes Trend
11 %
54
52
50
48
Reduction
46
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
2010-2014
44
42
40
16 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanCRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
AGE 5
Critical Emphasis Areas
1
APPROPRIATE
SOLUTIONS
CEA 5A – Improve Younger
Driver Safety (Under 25)
In previous editions of the SHSP, younger
drivers were defined as motorists under
the age of 21. Looking at historical
trends, the number of major crashes
involving drivers under the age of 21 has
decreased by 52% since 2004. This
reduction is impressive and shows Goal
strong progress in improving safety for
younger drivers. However, further
investigation revealed that when drivers
Reduce major crashes by 15% between 2017-2021
under the age of 25 were considered, the Strategies
number of crashes in which younger
1. Strengthen the VT graduated licensing law (GDL) for young
drivers were involved more than doubled.
drivers
Between 2011 and 2015, drivers under 21
accounted for 14% of all major crashes in 2. Expand and incentivize initial driver education and advanced
Vermont while drivers under the age of skills training
25 accounted for 30%. Drivers under the
3. Provide resources and training opportunities to parents of
age of 25 in Vermont account for more
young drivers
than 1 in 4 of all fatal and incapacitating
injury crashes statewide. Based on these 4. Create outreach programs targeting the 21 toCRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
AGE
APPROPRIATE
SOLUTIONS
5
CEA 5B – Improve Older
Driver Safety (65 and Over)
An older driver is defined as a driver who
is 65 years of age or older. People age 65
and older make up 17.5% of Vermont’s
population, which equates to nearly
110,000 people—a notable increase from
the 15% (94,000 people) cited in the 2012-
2016 SHSP. This increase in the older Goal
population continues to follow the trend
projected by the US Census Bureau
which projects an over age 65 population
Reduce major crashes by 5% between 2017-2021
in Vermont of 24% by 2030. Historical Strategies
trends show that the involvement of older
1. Increase education and outreach to older drivers
drivers in major crashes has decreased
7% since 2011. During the last five year 2. Continue improving infrastructure to meet the needs of all
period from 2011 through 2015, major roadway users
crashes involving older drivers
3. Develop and implement programs to increase public
accounted for 16% of the statewide
understanding and enforcement of driving with diminished
incapacitating injury crashes and 24% of
skills
fatal crashes. With the projected
population increase for this age group, it 4. Continue to research statistics, trends, and legislation for older
is important to remain proactive at drivers
addressing potential safety
countermeasures for this demographic. 65 or older population growth in VT
150,000
120,000 15% Increase
90,000
60,000
SHSP 2012-2016 SHSP 2017-2021
30,000
0
Older Driver Major Crashes Trend
5 Year 68
Rolling Average 66
2004-2015 64
8 % 62
60
58
2004-2008
2005-2009
Reduction
2006-2010
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
2010-2014
56
54
52
1% Reduction 7% Reduction
18 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanCRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
REDUCE 6
Critical Emphasis Areas
1
IMPAIRED DRIVING
Impaired driving is defined as operating
a vehicle under the influence of
medication, drugs, and/or alcohol.
Looking at historical data, a 30%
reduction in major crashes involving
impaired driving has occurred since
2004, with a 23% reduction in the last
five years alone. While there has been
progress in reducing major crashes in
this CEA, impaired driving was still
reported in 20% of all major crashes in
Goal
10 %
Vermont between 2011 and 2015. With
the continued efforts of various entities, Reduce major crashes by between 2017-2021
this number can be further reduced.
Strategies
1. Improve public awareness of what impaired driving 5. Increase training for law enforcement officers to
is and its associated dangers assist them in detecting incidents of Driving While
Impaired by Drugs
2. Regularly update and promote programs for
consistent education for individuals and 6. Support a more efficient means of collecting
organizations charged with addressing impairment evidentiary samples in Driving While Impaired by
issues Drugs cases
3. Increase and enforce penalties for impaired driving 7. Support expansion of use of Ignition Interlock
with a streamlined approach to enforcement Devices by all DWI Alcohol offenders
4. Continue updating and implementing programs for 8. Increase offender accountability and rehabilitation
impairment analysis and rehabilitation through DWI Courts and 24/7 Programs
Impaired Driving Major Crashes Trend
5 Year 120
Rolling Average
100
2004-2015
30 %
80
60
40
2004-2008
2005-2009
2006-2010
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
Reduction
2007-2011
2010-2014
20
0
7% Reduction 23% Reduction
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 19CRITICAL EMPHASIS AREA
CURB
DISTRACTED
DRIVING AND KEEP
7
DRIVERS ALERT
Distracted driving is defined as driving
while performing any other activity,
whether visual, manual, or cognitive, that
could divert a person’s attention away
from the primary task of driving. In the
age of constant distraction and handheld
technology, addressing distracted and
inattentive driving has become a Goal
heightened priority in Vermont and
across the country. Driving while drowsy
is also a contributing factor toward the
Reduce major crashes by 10 % between 2017-2021
crashes that fall under this emphasis Strategies
area. Since 2004, major crashes involving 1. Improve public awareness on what defines distracted driving
distracted or inattentive driving have and its associated laws and dangers
decreased by 40%, with a 35% reduction
occurring between 2011 and 2015. The 2. Enhance effectiveness and awareness of countermeasures, such
accelerated progress in this CEA may be as safety rest stops and safe texting areas
partially attributed to the adoption of the 3. Improve coordination between stakeholders in order to
2014 law that bans all drivers in Vermont maximize enforcement of distracted driving penalties
from using a handheld device while
operating a vehicle, with drivers under 4. Continue to improve and diversify data and research statistics,
the age of 18 completely banned from trends, and attitudes, and strengthen legislation related to
using a cell phone. distracted driving
Distracted and inattentive driving was
noted as a contributing factor in 17% of
the major crashes statewide between
2011 and 2015 with an average of 7 fatal
crashes per year – accounting for 11% of
all fatal crashes in the State annually.
Alert/Distracted Driver Major Crashes Trend
5 Year 120
Rolling Average
100
2004-2015
40 %
80
60
40
2004-2008
2005-2009
2006-2010
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
2010-2014
Reduction
20
0
5% Reduction 35% Reduction
20 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanVermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
SIGNIFICANT EMPHASIS
AREAS
Significant Emphasis Areas
Reduce Medium And Heavy Vehicle Crashes
Improve Work Zone Safety
21Significant Emphasis Areas
Significant Emphasis Areas
In addition to the CEAs, 2 Significant Emphasis Areas (SEAs) have also been identified
herein. These areas are not viewed as any less important than the CEAs, however they
account for a smaller percentage of the major crashes statewide. The intent is to monitor
crash data and identify any trends that may emerge from the SEAs. The following SEAs
have been identified:
1. Reduce Medium and Heavy Vehicle Crashes
2. Improve Work Zone Safety
The following pages provide overviews of each of the SEAs, as well as an overview of goals
and related ongoing safety initiatives.
22 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanSIGNIFICANT EMPHASIS
AREA
1
Significant Emphasis Areas
1
REDUCE MEDIUM
AND HEAVY
VEHICLE CRASHES
The frequency of crashes involving
medium and heavy vehicles has reduced
significantly since 2007. Between the
years of 2007 and 2015, the number of
medium and heavy vehicle crashes has
decreased approximately 33%. However,
it should be noted that crashes reduced
dramatically between 2007 and 2011, but
appear to have since leveled off. In 2007,
Goal
there were 1,084 crashes involving
The VHSA will continue their statewide safety efforts
medium and heavy vehicles. In 2015, and initiatives related to medium and heavy vehicle
there were 499 crashes which makes up safety. The crash data regarding total and major crashes
just under 4% of all crashes in Vermont. will be monitored such that any emerging trends will be
Between 2011 and 2015, heavy and immediately identified and addressed accordingly.
medium vehicle crashes accounted for
roughly 14% of fatal crashes statewide. Existing initiatives pertaining to medium and heavy vehicle safety
It is recognized that much of the medium include, but are not limited to, the following:
and heavy vehicles on the road are
½½ Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) crash reduction by
operated by private industries and the
conducting directed patrols based on crash analysis
VHSA is committed to making these
drivers’ workplace as safe as possible. ½½ Passenger transportation safety via increasing the number of
Crash data regarding this SEA will enroute, terminal, and destination inspections on motor
continue to be monitored to identify coaches and busses
emerging trends.
½½ Driver and vehicle inspections including a special focus on
cross-border traffic
½½ On-site carrier reviews and audits focusing on new entrant
companies and carriers with a pattern of on-road safety violations
½½ Public education and outreach by organizations such as Project
RoadSafe, DMV, law enforcement, employers, and others
5 Year
Medium/Heavy Vehicles Total Crashes Trend
Rolling Average 800
2007-2015 700
33 % 600
500
400
Reduction 300
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
2010-2014
200
100
0
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 23SIGNIFICANT EMPHASIS
AREA
IMPROVE WORK
ZONE SAFETY
2
In the most recent study period, from
2011 to 2015, work zone crashes
accounted for less than half of a percent
of all crashes in Vermont. This may not
seem like reason for work zone safety to
be a SEA but work zones are unique in
that they are unpredictable and can be
challenging to navigate, which poses a
threat to all road users. There has been a
slight decrease since 2007 in the number
of a work zone crashes, dropping 2% in
Goal
the past 9 years. Work zone safety will The VHSA will continue their statewide efforts and
continue to be a point of emphasis for the initiatives related to work zone safety. The crash data
VHSA in order to keep motorists, regarding total and major crashes will be monitored such
construction workers, and other road
that any emerging trends will be immediately identified and
users safe.
addressed accordingly.
Existing initiatives pertaining to work zone safety include, but are
not limited to, the following:
½½ Construction work zone field reviews
½½ Work Zone Advisory Council
½½ Implementation of federal work zone rules
½½ Detailed design reviews of traffic control plans
5 Year
Work Zone Total Crashes Trend
Rolling Average 63
2007-2015 62
2 % 61
60
59
Reduction 58
2008-2012
2009-2013
2011-2015
2007-2011
2010-2014
57
56
55
24 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanVermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
SPECIAL EMPHASIS
AREAS
Special Emphasis Areas
Improve Vermont’s Data In The Interest Of Safety
Enhance Vermont’s Emergency Medical Services
Capabilities
25Special Emphasis Areas
Special Emphasis Areas
The two special emphasis areas that were included the 2012-2016 edition of the SHSP have
been chosen to remain in the current plan. These Special Emphasis Areas are vital
components of a complete plan and have broad reaching influences over the success of the
SHSP. These two Special Emphasis Areas are as follows:
1. Improve Vermont’s Data in the Interest of Safety
2. Enhance Vermont’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Capabilities
By nature, the impacts of these Special Emphasis Areas are difficult to determine through
analysis of existing data trends, but are known to be critical to the success of highway
safety in Vermont. The following section includes an explanation of the importance of the
Special Emphasis Areas as they relate to highway safety, as well as a brief description of the
goals and strategies for each.
26 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanSPECIAL EMPHASIS AREA
IMPROVE 1
Special Emphasis Areas
1
VERMONT’S DATA
IN THE INTEREST
OF SAFETY
Crash data is the foundation of Vermont’s
highway safety programs and the VHSA.
The use of data, that is accurate, timely,
complete and accessible, to identify
highway safety deficiencies, create
projects, justify safety improvements,
and track performance is crucial to the
successful execution of the plan and Goal
future safety initiatives.
Improve statewide data in the interest of safety.
A significant step was taken toward
improving crash data accessibility Strategies
through the development and launch of
the Vermont Public Crash Query Tool in 1. Improve the quality and timeliness of police reported crash data
2014. This online tool provides public 2. Improve the quality and availability of traffic violation data
access to the State’s crash database,
allowing safety stakeholders and the 3. Improve the quality of the overall crash database
public to view and download crash data 4. Improve the diversity and completeness of highway data
to perform their own crash analyses or
inform themselves about safety issues 5. Improve crash data analysis to support data-driven decision
across the State or within their making
communities. 6. Integrate a trauma registry and link emergency response to
patient outcomes
Vermont is dedicated to the continued
effort of improving the quality of crash
data and its integration with other safety
data systems and of improving crash
data analysis methods in order to make
further advancement in annual crash
reduction.
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 27SPECIAL EMPHASIS AREA
ENHANCE
VERMONT’S
EMERGENCY
2
MEDICAL SERVICES
CAPABILITIES
Vermont’s emergency medical services
currently provide excellent care to those
in need. However, where every major
crash requires some degree of EMS,
special consideration to evaluate and
track EMS capabilities is a critical
component of highway safety. Survival of
Goal
a major crash or the successful Improve statewide emergency medical services in
treatment of a severe injury depends on the interest of safety
the location of the crash and its proximity
Strategies
to the nearest emergency care facility,
noting that the University of Vermont 1. Improve the availability and distribution of emergency medical
Medical Center (formerly Fletcher Allen responders
Health Care) located in Burlington is the
2. Improve the timeliness of EMS response and transport
only Level 1 Trauma Center in Vermont. A
Level 1 Trauma Center is capable of 3. Assess and improve the Vermont trauma system
providing complete care for every aspect
4. Assess and improve the quality of clinical care provided to those
of injury and designates trauma patients
injured
as its highest priority.
5. Improve intra-agency coordination during emergency response
Important components of Vermont’s EMS
6. Create a culture of safety associated with emergency vehicle
plan include the number of trauma care
operation and emergency scene response.
facilities in the State, reporting of
detailed data for injured patients, funding 7. Conduct Traffic Incident Management Training for first
to provide extensive training and responders to ensure that incident scenes are set up in the safest
education for employees, and ongoing and most efficient manner possible
data evaluation. These areas continually
need to be assessed to determine what
improvements can be made to ensure
that the best emergency services can be
provided to those in highway crashes.
28 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanVermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
ATTACHMENT A
Office of Highway Safety
Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP)
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
Highway Safety Data Unit
Vermont Highway Safety Alliance (VHSA)
29Attachment A
Highway safety impacts all of our lives each and every day. Whether we are commuting to
work, taking kids to school and extra-curricular activities, driving to community events, or
just going for a walk or bike ride, we all have one expectation and that is to leave home
and return again unharmed. The sad fact is that each year roughly 340 people are killed or
seriously injured on Vermont highways. In December 2014, VTrans formed the Office of
Highway Safety (OHS) which is dedicated to reducing these tragedies on Vermont’s
roadways. The OHS is made up of four separate units: Vermont Highway Safety Alliance,
Governor’s Highway Safety Program, Highway Safety Improvement Program and Highway
Safety Data Unit.
Office Of Highway Safety
Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP)
The GHSP focuses on the behavioral side of highway safety. It is estimated that 90% of all
highway crashes are caused by driver error or poor behavior. GHSP works with public
agencies, state and local enforcement departments, and educational non-profit groups to
institute programs to address the behavioral issues that are rampant in society. The
National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides funding which
GHSP utilizes to mitigate problems identified in the yearly Highway Safety Plan (HSP).
Yearly reports are provided to NHTSA outlining progress or remaining challenges in the
area of crash reduction.
Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
The HSIP addresses problematic areas on the physical roadway infrastructure system across
Vermont. Recent crash data is analyzed to determine the specific areas and locations that
need to be addressed. In addition to specific locations, the HSIP identifies systemic
problems by analyzing similar causal crash factors and crash characteristics. Utilizing this
analysis, staff look for ways to implement statewide changes to the highway system to
combat the systemic issues.
To meet the MAP21 and FAST ACT requirements, Vermont defines a high risk rural road
(HRRR) as any roadway functionally classified as a rural major or minor collector or rural
local road that has three or more fatal and injury crashes per mile over a five-year period.
Highway Safety Data Unit
The Highway Safety Data Unit is the repository of all crash data statewide. All state and
local enforcement agencies and departments send electronic crash reports to this unit.
These reports are checked for quality and then added to the state database. Enforcement
agencies, engineers, and local communities rely on this data to make informed decisions
on solving highway safety issues in the most effective way. This group provides the
barometer by which we measure the safety health of our Vermont Highway System.
30 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanAttachment A
Vermont Highway Safety Alliance (VHSA)
The VHSA is a non-profit organization whose sole focus is to reduce needless crashes on Vermont’s highways.
Public agencies, and private individuals and companies make up the VHSA membership. The Strategic Highway
Safety Plan (SHSP) is the guiding document which, via crash data, identifies the areas that need to be addressed.
The VHSA consists of a Board of Directors, an Advisory Council, and Task Force (TF) groups. The VHSA Board of
15 members define the Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) for the State of Vermont and determine the Critical
Emphasis Areas (CEAs). The Highway Safety Plan Coordinator works with the VHSA Advisory Council to
determine the high level strategies to be employed in an effort to meet the crash reduction goals set for the
individual CEAs. The Advisory Council consists of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in each of the critical areas
with regard to highway safety. Standing members of the Council are the VHSA Board of Directors, Chair and Vice
Chair, as well as the Highway Safety Plan Coordinator. The Advisory Council will implement specific action plans
guided by the strategies in accordance with the course set by the Board of Directors and will deploy Task Force
teams to complete specific small, medium, and large projects targeted to reduce crashes.
An effort will be made to make these groups multi-disciplinary in order to address the needs of all highway users.
Subject Matter Experts
The SMEs play a critical role on the Task Force teams to engage, advise, and lead on specific projects and are
encouraged to send new program suggestions to the advisory board for consideration. Monthly scheduled meetings
and ongoing communication with the SMEs are planned to help keep the VHSA active, vibrant, and effective.
2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 31Attachment A 32 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan
ATTACHMENT B
Glossary
33Attachment B
Glossary
AAA American Automobile Association
AARP American Association of Retired Persons
AC Advisory Council
Alliance Vermont Highway Safety Alliance
CCRPC Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission
CEA Critical Emphasis Area
DMV Department of Motor Vehicles
DWI Driving While Impaired
EMS Emergency Medical Services
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
Four E’s (4 E’s) Education, Enforcement, Engineering, and Emergency Services
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FFY Federal Fiscal Year
FY Fiscal Year
GDL Graduated Driver’s License
GHSP Governor’s Highway Safety Program
HRRR High Risk Rural Roads
HSIP Highway Safety Improvement Program
HSP Highway Safety Plan
Major Crash Fatal or Incapacitating Injury Crash
NHTSA National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
OHS Office of Highway Safety
SEA Significant Emphasis Area
SHSP Strategic Highway Safety Plan
SME Subject Matter Experts
Safety PM Safety Performance Management
TPM Transportation Performance Management
TZD Toward Zero Deaths
34 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety PlanAttachment B VHSA Vermont Highway Safety Alliance VSP Vermont State Police VTrans Vermont Agency of Transportation 2017-2021 | Vermont Strategic Highway Safety Plan 35
VERMONT Strategic Highway Safety Plan 2017-2021
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